207 replies to this topic

[LarryKing]

If you choose to bump draft it should be done for a purpose, not just because it's fun to do.

[CruzanTom]

If you choose to bump draft it should be done for a purpose, not just because it's fun to do.

Well, I race because it is fun to do, not because I have a purpose (we end up going in circles after all).
Sometimes, it is fun to hook up with someone and go fast. Sometimes I do it in qualifying, sometimes I do it in a race, sometimes I do it during a practice just for fun.
But I agree with the comment made earlier that you need to make sure that the other driver is comfortable with it.

[LarryKing]

It's fun to drive with my feet, that doesn't make it a good idea. (paraphased from Chris Rock)

[MazdaSteve]

So reading this thread begs me to ask the question. As both the initiator and recipient of many bump drafts over the years, the thing I find interesting is the apparent disregard for the GCR. Section 6.11.1.A states: "Drivers are responsible to avoid physical contact between cars on the race track." This is a black and white directive, not grey.

If people are bump drafting to gain a competitive advantage, what differentiates this form of "cheating" from other methods to gain advantage such as cams, tricked ECUs, massaged suspension pick-up points, ported exhaust manifolds, etc? They are both wiillful attemps to sidestep the system.

[Glenn]

So reading this thread begs me to ask the question. As both the initiator and recipient of many bump drafts over the years, the thing I find interesting is the apparent disregard for the GCR. Section 6.11.1.A states: "Drivers are responsible to avoid physical contact between cars on the race track." This is a black and white directive, not grey.

If people are bump drafting to gain a competitive advantage, what differentiates this form of "cheating" from other methods to gain advantage such as cams, tricked ECUs, massaged suspension pick-up points, ported exhaust manifolds, etc? They are both wiillful attemps to sidestep the system.

Trouble maker

[DrDomm]

Shouldn't we start a poll? Just to quantify what people want. If 90% say they wish it were illegal, then we inform the stewards/corner workers to enforce the rule. If 90% think it should be legal, then let's work on getting the rule changed.

My concern is the orchestrated advantage gained by teams/friends in qualifying. In a race it's a little more random.

[Keith Novak]

There's legal drafting and then there's "tech shed legal drafting." If it's done between two consenting adults on part of the course where there is no possible way for a steward to see it, it's tech shed legal. Besides, what am I supposed to do if some good Samaratin recognizes I'm down on power and decides to help push me up to speed.

[MazdaSteve]

There's legal drafting and then there's "tech shed legal drafting."

So in other words there's cheating and then there's "legal cheating..." I really don't care either way, just trying to get the groups thoughts on this.

[Rob Burgoon]

In a race it's a little more random.

Try again.

[Bench Racer]

As WE ALL know, when one brings up cheating the written rules (or cheating the known intent of the rules) on this site the bringer upper becomes know as a TURD unless he/she is a front runner at the national level.

(This advertisement does not imply that my car doesn't have any cheats, it's just that I'm not about to brag about them (if they exist ).

This advertisement is bought & paid for by TURD.

[LarryKing]

+1 Dewhurst, but then the "Cool Kids" have always gotten away with more, that's life.

TURD - tremendously under-rated driver?

[Rob Burgoon]

It's fun and banning it is unenforceable short of spec ketchup packets being officially added to the GCR.

Dropping it won't eliminate teamwork anyway. It won't stop two quick drivers drafting together and running away.

[Michael Colangelo]

Besides, what am I supposed to do if some good Samaratin recognizes I'm down on power and decides to help push me up to speed.

That's why the Oregon Region SCCA needs to put the SM and T1 classes in the same race group!

[HoneyBadger - BrianW]

Steve, to your point, I would equate it to the fuel pressure and timing mods that have recently been approved. All the top guys are going it, its near impossible to completely enforce.... so lets just make it legal! Isn't that how SM works?

[Rob Burgoon]

Steve, to your point, I would equate it to the fuel pressure and timing mods that have recently been approved. All the top guys are going it, its near impossible to completely enforce.... so lets just make it legal! Isn't that how SM works?

It's being practical. If something is impossible to enforce, legalizing it improves parity.

[Keith Novak]

The grey hairs in SCCA will never legalize it. They look at bump drafting as the gateway drug to Nascar. They're afraid that if it's allowed the speeds will get so high that we'll need those flaps on our roofs to prevent dozens of Miatas flipping through the air in every race when they get turned backwards. There will be 100s of thousands of toothless rednecks at every race lined up for Charbs to autograph their boobs, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!

[MazdaSteve]

Dewhurst, in my opening comment I said I was guilty as the next guy for both pushing and being pushed. If that qualifies me as a TURD so be it. Rob, I agree with your assessment that bump drafting helps to improve parity and spread out the field. I think most of us are already doing it. I am not throwing stones or flaming anyone here.

I just think it is a bit duplicitous for people on the forum to throw others under the bus for "cheating" when we are not following the rules ourselves.

Nuff said.

[svvs]

The grey hairs in SCCA will never legalize it. They look at bump drafting as the gateway drug to Nascar. They're afraid that if it's allowed the speeds will get so high that we'll need those flaps on our roofs to prevent dozens of Miatas flipping through the air in every race when they get turned backwards. There will be 100s of thousands of toothless rednecks at every race lined up for Charbs to autograph their boobs, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!

you have heard what the corner workers and the ITA guys say when it's time for the miata's to go out, right?

[Jim Boemler]

I agree with your assessment that bump drafting helps to improve parity and spread out the field.

How does the field spreading out indicate an improvement in parity? Unless of course you're already at the front, and you consider anything that increases your lead to be an "improvement".

[Keith Novak]

you have heard what the corner workers and the ITA guys say when it's time for the miata's to go out, right?

Spec Pinata?